The process has been disrupted by the pandemic, shifting testing policies, the Supreme Court, federal investigations … the list goes on. But there is good news.
Highly selective schools represent an insurance policy for parents, trusted brands that they believe will provide an edge, said Mitchell L. Stevens, a professor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education. “And the more economic uncertainty we face, the more valuable that insurance becomes.”
The entire application process has been disrupted in recent years by the pandemic, shifting testing policies, a Supreme Court ruling on race-conscious admissions, artificial intelligence, federal investigations, and the long list goes on.
Here are some changes to admissions to watch for this school year:
1. Supplemental Essays Are Disappearing
Top universities (like Cornell, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Tulane) are dropping their school-specific essay requirements. Admissions teams want to reduce barriers for applicants, ease their own workload, and lessen reliance on essays due to the surge of AI-generated content.
2. Standardized Tests Are Coming Back
While many schools went test-optional during the pandemic, elite institutions (including all Ivy League schools) are restoring SAT/ACT requirements. Colleges are using test scores to evaluate applicants amid growing concerns over grade inflation and to identify high-potential students from diverse backgrounds.
3. Acceptance Rates Keep Dropping
Applications are reaching record highs as students apply to more schools than ever through platforms like the Common App. Because top-tier schools are receiving tens of thousands of applications for limited spots, acceptance rates at selective institutions continue to hover near historic lows.
4. Early Decision Matters More Than Ever
Colleges are increasingly relying on early application deadlines to lock in their incoming classes and boost their yield (the percentage of accepted students who enroll). While binding early decision can limit financial aid comparison, it offers a higher chance of admission and peace of mind for applicants.
5. International Student Enrollment Faces Uncertainty
Stricter federal visa rules, potential limits on stay duration, and processing delays could discourage international candidates from applying to U.S. institutions this cycle.
6. The Aftermath of the Supreme Court Affirmative Action Ruling
Following the Supreme Court's ruling against race-conscious admissions, schools face heightened legal scrutiny and federal investigations regarding diversity initiatives. As a result, admissions offices are taking a more cautious, quantitative approach heavily focused on grades and test scores.
7. The Good News: Direct Admissions Are Expanding
Beyond the ultra-selective schools, most U.S. colleges accept the majority of their applicants. Programs offering direct or guaranteed admission based on GPA (without traditional application hurdles) are growing through platforms like the Common App.